Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress (Natalie and Landon) novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Moon-Shadow Manor

Natalie’s Perspective:

The sight before me caused a brief hesitation. Eleanor appeared as though she might crumble under the weight of the moment. I instinctively reached out, steadying her. My first impulse was to retreat, but Everett’s men subtly closed off any chance of escape.

“Ms. Scott,” Everett’s voice broke the tense silence as he straightened his posture. He didn’t look back, but a faint, courteous smile played on his lips, though his tone was firm and commanding. “I understand there was a disagreement involving Ms. Kelly. Shall we address it now?”

Eleanor’s complexion drained of color, her earlier threats flashing through my mind. Was she about to grovel and apologize? If she did, she’d forever be the subject of ridicule within our social circles.

After a moment’s pause, I spoke calmly, “That won’t be necessary. I haven’t lost anything.” My words firmly established my position; there was no reason to escalate the situation further.

Everett gave a slight nod before turning his attention to Eleanor. His voice remained composed but carried a weighty authority. “Then, Ms. Kelly, please offer your apology to Ms. Scott. This will allow our families to continue their business relationship with mutual respect.”

Eleanor swallowed hard, clearly struggling under Everett’s unyielding gaze. Reluctantly, she bowed her head toward me in public submission, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m sorry, Ms. Scott.”

No sooner had the apology left her lips than the black-clad men opened a path for her. Burning with humiliation, Eleanor hurried away with her entourage, hastily shielding her face from view.

Once Eleanor was gone, Everett exchanged a meaningful glance. The female sales advisor, who had been sitting on the floor, was quietly escorted out as well.

Before I could gather my thoughts, Everett stepped forward again, gesturing with refined politeness. “The paperwork will be handled by the family. Your car is waiting outside, Ms. Scott. Please, come with us.”

I lifted my gaze to meet Everett’s intense, piercing eyes behind his glasses. The initial shock I felt had settled into a steady, analytical calm.

I hesitated briefly before asking softly, “Go with you? To where?”

“To the Moon-Shadowed Pack territory, naturally. To the place that rightfully belongs to you,” Everett replied with a warm, assured smile. It carried an ancient, compelling energy.

“Moon-Shadowed Pack?” I echoed the name, no longer just an unfamiliar title but the source of my lineage—a vast, time-honored werewolf clan.

“Exactly. Moon-Shadow Manor will now be your home—your true domain and residence,” Everett said, his voice resonating with the weight of history.

I fell silent for a few moments. Alexander was my biological father. An inheritance steeped in ancient power and immense wealth had unexpectedly landed in my hands. Returning to the family was no longer avoidable.

I had nowhere left to run, nor did I feel the need to anymore. What was mine, I had to claim with my own hands.

I gave a subtle nod. The dormant power inside me stirred, humming in quiet resonance. “Very well. Since it’s my family, my territory, I should see it for myself.” What needed confronting would be faced eventually.

I nodded. Though her smile was formal, the cold rejection beneath it was unmistakable, as was her instinctive disdain for a mixed-blood like me.

“Sit. Since you are home, there is no need for formalities,” Penelope said, settling herself with elegant poise.

Samuel gave me a slight nod, his tone polite but distant. “Hello, Ms. Anderson.”

I took a seat at the edge of the sofa opposite them, sitting upright. “Mrs. Penelope Scott, you summoned me here to…”

“Let’s be straightforward,” Penelope interrupted without hesitation. “I asked you here today hoping you would voluntarily give up part of your inheritance.” She glanced at Samuel, who immediately slid a parchment scroll toward me. It radiated a faint magical aura, marking it as a binding contract.

“Ms. Anderson,” Samuel said in a detached voice, as if reciting a fact, “my father passed away unexpectedly. You have inherited everything in his name—this includes the Alpha title and territorial authority.

“However, the day-to-day control of the family business and leadership of our core forces cannot be entrusted to a low-ranking werewolf with no experience in pack affairs. As compensation, the family is prepared to offer you a substantial sum—enough to ensure a comfortable life for the rest of your days.”

I picked up the contract and examined it carefully. It was written in ancient werewolf script and read: “Voluntarily relinquish all claims to the Moon-Shadowed Pack Alpha succession, territorial authority, and all related assets…”

My mind raced as I absorbed the weight of the proposal before me.